Rustenburg – Dineo Precious Powane has been added as a suspect in a multi-million-rand fraud case involving Zambia national Evan Mutale.
The Zambian, who worked as an accountant, is accused of defrauding his former employer – Jaira Constructions and Projects – of more than R5 million.
Further investigations into the fraud case of the 44-year-old Mutale linked Powane to the crime.
It is alleged that between September 2019 and November 2020, Mutale fraudulently transferred money stolen from Jaira Constructions and Projects into Powane’s bank account.
Mutale allegedly transferred the money to Powane’s bank account under the pretext of paying a service provider for services rendered to his employer, Jaira Constructions and Projects.
National Prosecuting Authority North West Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the Zambian duped his supervisor to authorise the transfer of the stolen money into Powane’s bank account.
However, the fraud was eventually discovered.
Mutale was arrested last month, on 12 April 2023. He is facing 21 charges of fraud and three alternative charges of money laundering.
Powane was arrested earlier this week on Monday, (22 May 2023).
On Tuesday, Powane made a brief appearance in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court.
Powane is facing three charges of money laundering.
Mamothame said both accused, Powane and Mutale, were granted bail of R3 000 and R10 000 respectively.
The pair will next appear at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, sitting in Rustenburg, North West, on 7 June 2023.
